Do I need permission for works to a flat or in the grounds of a flat?

In most cases you will need planning permission, however flats do benefit from very limited permitted development rights. These are mainly permitted development rights for renewable energy and satellite dishes.

Our Self-Certification form will help you understand whether you would benefit from permitted development rights for your renewable energy project.

For satellite dishes, a block of flats is permitted up to four dishes, in total, at any one time, without requiring planning permission, subject to their size.

Therefore, the fifth satellite on a block of flats will always require planning permission.

Size limitations for the first four satellite dishes and more general guidance can be found here. If your dish exceeds the size limitation, you will need planning permission.

You can also paint the external walls of your flat or maisonette without requiring planning permission, provided the building is not a listed. However, in some areas the right to paint your property have been removed by an 'article 4 direction'. You can find out if your property is listed or covered by an article 4 direction here.

Examples where Planning Permission is required for works to flats

You will normally need planning permission for external works to flats. Examples to this will include:

• Insertion of new window(s) (including VELUX windows)
• Replacement of existing windows (unless they are a like for like replacement in terms of size, position, material colour, framing and window barring)
• Outbuildings in garden (e.g. refuse storage area, cycle store, sheds, garages, garden offices)
• Extensions
• Roof extensions (e.g. dormer windows or changes to the roof slope to enlarge the space within)
• Subdivision of a flat
• Change of use of a flat to another use

Internal works that don't alter the outside of the flat will not need planning permission, unless they result in a change of use or subdivision of the flat (meaning to create additional flats).

Don't forget that if your property is a listed building, you will need listed building consent too. You can find out if your property is a listed building.

If you are still unsure whether planning permission is required for your project, you can submit a query to planning@hastings.gov.uk along with the correct fee and we will look into this for you.

You can pay the fee over the phone on 01424 451090 or 01424 451066, or in person at the Community Contact Centre.

Make sure you tell us exactly what you want to do, where the works are at your property and where your property is.'